Articles of apparel with retractable protective elements

ABSTRACT

Articles of apparel provide at least one protective characteristic. The articles of apparel may include a generally annular first element, such as a neckband, and a second, retractable element that is operably secured to the first element. The second element may provide at least one protective characteristic. The first element may (or may not) include a receptacle into which the second element is retractable.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/301,536 filed on Feb. 4, 2010, which is entirely incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to articles of apparel having a retractable protective element. More specifically, an article of apparel for the head and neck of a human user.

BACKGROUND

Articles of apparel are worn for particular purposes such as covering or protecting portions of the wearer's body, warmth, comfort, fashion, conforming to a particular appearance (uniforms, camouflage), and the like. Sometimes wearers wish for their articles of apparel to serve multiple purposes. For example, a shirt serves the purposes of covering the wearer's torso and adhering to fashion or appearance selections of the wearer. This shirt example does not provide the wearer with protective characteristics such as protection against cold or adverse weather conditions, protection to the neck, face, or head of the wearer, and the like. Most known articles of apparel serve a limited number of purposes, which requires wearer's to select multiple layers of articles of apparel to obtain the desired level and type of protection.

More specifically, many wearers wish to protect their necks, faces, and heads from various elements, such as weather, temperature, danger, pathogens, and the like. For example, many wearers will use a scarf or neck band to protect their necks against cold or wet weather. The wearers also will use a hat, face mask, or other head covering to protect their heads against the same cold and wet weather. In another example, a hunter may wish to camouflage his or her face to blend in with the surroundings. These wearers face challenges in that they must wear multiple articles of apparel to achieve all of the protective benefits that they want. Multiple articles are uncomfortable to wear and oftentimes become hot or cumbersome and bulky during wear. Multiple layers increase the number of items that the wearer must own, which is expensive and inconvenient.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, despite the benefits of known articles of apparel, there remains a need for comfortable, cost-effective, and conveniently constructed articles of apparel that do not compromise the protective characteristics of the articles of apparel. The present disclosure overcomes these and other shortfalls with the disclosed articles of apparel.

Aspects of the articles of apparel include articles of apparel comprising a generally annular first element and a second, retractable element that is operably secured to the first element. The second element has at least one protective characteristic.

Other aspects of the articles of apparel include an article of apparel comprising a neckband including a receptacle integrally formed therewith and a retractable head covering. The retractable head covering has at least one protective characteristic and is operably secured to the neckband in a location such that a majority of the head covering is house within the receptacle when the head covering is in a retracted position and at least a portion of the head covering is positioned outside of the receptacle when the head covering is in an extended position.

In yet more aspects of the articles of apparel, an article of apparel comprises an elastic band defining a hole and including at least one receptacle and at least one protective element. The protective element is operably secured to the elastic band. A majority of the protective element is positioned within the receptacle when the protective element is in a retracted position and a majority of the protective element extends away from and is positioned outside of the receptacle when the protective element is in an unretracted position.

This section provides a general summary of the disclosed article of apparel with retractable protective element, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features. Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an article of apparel with a retractable protective element in a retracted and an extended or unretracted position, respectively, according to aspects of the disclosure.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate another example article of apparel with a retractable protective element in a retracted and an extended or unretracted position, respectively, according to aspects of the disclosure.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate yet another article of apparel with a retractable protective element in a retracted and an extended or unretracted position, respectively, according to aspects of the disclosure.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate still another article of apparel with a retractable protective element in a retracted and an extended or unretracted position, respectively, according to aspects of the disclosure.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate yet another article of apparel with a retractable protective element in a retracted and an extended or unretracted position, respectively, according to aspects of the disclosure.

FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate four consecutive stages of the steps along the progression of moving a retractable element from a retracted position to an extended or unretracted position, according to aspects of the disclosure.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a front and back view of an example article of apparel with retractable protective element in which the protective element is in the unretracted or extended position, according to aspects of the disclosure.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate front and back perspective views, respectively, of another embodiment of an article of apparel with a retractable protective element in which the retractable protective element is in a retracted position in the front view and an unretracted or extended position in the back view, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a back perspective view of another embodiment of the article of apparel with a retractable protective element in an unretracted or extended position, according to aspects of the disclosure.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate front views of yet another embodiment of the article of apparel with a retractable protective element in which the retractable protective element is in the retracted position and the unretracted or extended position, respectively, according to aspects of the disclosure.

FIGS. 11A-11I illustrate still another embodiment of the article of apparel with various types of retractable protective elements, according to aspects of the disclosure.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION I. General Aspects of Articles of Apparel with Retractable Protective Elements

FIGS. 1A-11I illustrate an article of apparel 20 having a generally annular first element 22 and a second, retractable element 24 operably secured to the first element. The second element is retractable and has at least one protective characteristic. The second, retractable element 24 is retractable into the first element 22 to define a retracted position 26, which is illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A, 8A, and 10A, and an unretracted position 28, which is illustrated in FIGS. 1B, 2B, 3B, 4B, 5B, 6D, 7A, 7B, 8B, 9, 10B, and 11A-I. The article of apparel 20 is any suitable article including, but not limited to, a neck gaiter, a neck band, a scarf, or any other article that extends around a wearer's head, neck, shoulders, and/or portion of the wearer's torso. The first element 22 is generally annular in shape so that it fits around the wearer's head, neck, shoulders, and/or other portion of the wearer's torso.

The second, retractable element 24 may include a head covering that covers any suitable portion(s) of the wearer's head. For example, the head covering includes a face covering that extends over at least a portion of the wearer's face. Some other examples comprise a head covering that includes a hood and a face covering. A head covering may cover any suitable portions of the wearer's head, neck, and/or torso.

For example, the first element 22 may be a neckband or other band that defines a hole through which the head, neck, shoulders, and/or portion of the wearer's torso fit. The first element 22 may include any suitable materials. For example, the first element 22 includes elastic. In other examples, the first element 22 includes any one or more of the following: fleece, cotton, polyurethane, foam, plastic, rubber, nylon, polyester, wool, and any other suitable material(s) for articles of apparel.

In some examples, the first element 22 is a band that is stretched or otherwise expanded to accommodate a wearer's head, neck, shoulders, and/or portion of the wearer's torso. In this example, the band includes elastic and defines a hole through it into which the wearer inserts his or her head to put on the article of apparel 20. In some more specific examples, the band is a neckband. In other examples, the first element 22 has a first and a second, opposing end that are detachably secured to each other. This example construction would permit the wearer to detach the first end from the second end and wrap the article of apparel 20 around the wearer's neck, for example (i.e., similar to a scarf) and then secure the first end and the second end to each other after the article of apparel 20 is wrapped around the wearer's neck.

The first end and/or the second end may comprise a securing mechanism that helps to detachably secure them to each other. For example, the first end includes a slit in some examples and a portion of the second end is capable of being inserted through the slit to detachably secure the first end and the second end to each other. In another example, the first end and the second end include a hook and loop fastener, a button and hole combination, two mating pieces of one or more snaps or other fasteners, and the like that detachably secure to each other. The first end and/or the second end may optionally include any suitable securing mechanisms.

The second, retractable element 24 is operably secured to the first element 22 in any suitable manner. For example, a portion of the second, retractable element 24 is sewn to the first element. In another example, the second, retractable element 24 is integrally formed from the same piece(s) of material as the first element. In still other examples, the second, retractable element 24 is detachably secured to the first element 22 such as with one or more securing mechanisms like a hook and loop fastener, mating snaps or buttons, and the like.

The second element includes one or more covering(s) for one or more portions of the wearer's body. For example, the second element includes one or more covering(s) for the head, neck, shoulders, and/or torso of the wearer. More specifically, the second element includes a head, face, and/or ear covering in some examples. The second element includes a covering or protective element for any portion(s) of the wearer's body.

In some example constructions, the article of apparel 20 further comprises a third, retractable element 24′ that is operably secured to the first element 22 in any of the same ways as described above with respect to the second, retractable element. The third element 24′ also has at least one protective characteristic. The third element 24′ includes one or more covering(s) for one or more portions of the wearer's body, similar in nature to the second, retractable element 24 described above. The third element 24′ is operably secured to the first element 22 in any suitable location with respect to the second, retractable element 24. For example, the third element 24′ is operably secured to the first element 22 in a position adjacent to the second, retractable element 24 in some examples and is spaced apart from the second element or secured on an opposing portion of the first element 22 in other examples. Any suitable number of retractable elements are operably secured to the first element.

In an example having more than one retractable element, the second, retractable element 24 is a face covering and the third, retractable element 24′ is a head covering operably secured to the first element 22 at a position opposite the second, retractable element 24. In this example construction, the second, retractable element 24 is operably secured to the first element 22 at a position such that when it is extended away from the first element, the second, retractable element 24 is able to be extended over at least a portion of the wearer's face. The third, retractable element 24′ is operably secured to the first element 22 such that when it is extended away from the first element, the third, retractable element 24′ is able to be extended over at least a portion of the wearer's head, such as a hood or portion thereof. Any of the retractable elements may cover any one or more portions of the wearer's head, neck, shoulders, and/or torso.

In some examples, the third, retractable element 24′ is integrally formed with or operably secured to the second, retractable element 24. For example, the second, retractable element 24 is a face covering and the third, retractable element 24′ is a head covering (e.g., a hood) that are integrally formed or are sewn together. In this example construction, the face covering and the head covering extend and retract together. In other examples, the third, retractable element 24′ is discrete from the second, retractable element 24. In this example, the second, retractable element 24 may be a face covering and the third, retractable element 24′ may be a head covering (e.g., a hood) that is discrete from the face covering. The face covering and the head covering are operably secured to the first element 22 in discrete locations and retract and extend independently from one another.

The retractable elements have at least one protective characteristic. The retractable elements may have as many protective characteristics as desirable. For example, the retractable elements have one or more of the following protective characteristics: insulation, warmth, protection from weather elements, protection from pathogens, camouflage, and any other suitable protective characteristic(s). In some aspects, one of the retractable elements is a face covering suitable for protecting the wearer from cold weather. This face covering may provide the wearer with insulation, warmth, and protection from weather elements. In another aspect, the face covering includes warmth and camouflage. This face covering may be suitable for law enforcement, military, hunting, and other wearers in need of camouflage. In yet another aspect, the face covering is a surgical mask and helps protect its wearer from outside pathogens and also helps protect other people around the wearer from pathogens coming from the wearer.

In some examples, the first element 22 includes a receptacle. In some aspects, the second element (or any one or more of the elements operably secured to the first element) is retractable into the receptacle. The receptacle is operably secured to the first element 22 in any suitable fashion. The receptacle is attached to the first element 22 in some examples, such as being sewn to or integrally formed with the first element. In other examples, the receptacle is detachably secured to the first element 22 in any suitable manner, such as, but not limited to, one or more hook and look fastener(s), snaps, buttons, adhesives, magnets, and the like.

For the examples in which the article of apparel 20 includes a second, retractable element 24 and a third, retractable element 24′ that are discrete from one another (i.e., a face covering is discrete from and extends and retracts independently from a hood), the article of apparel 20 may include a first receptacle and a second receptacle. The second, retractable element 24 is retractable into the first receptacle and the third, retractable element 24′ is retractable into the second receptacle. In the examples in which the article of apparel 20 includes a second, retractable element 24 and a third, retractable element 24′ that are sewn together, integrally formed, or otherwise operate together, the article of apparel 20 includes one receptacle into which both the second, retractable element 24 and the third, retractable element 24′ retract.

In some aspects, the article of apparel 20 includes a neckband including a first receptacle that is integrally formed with the neckband and a retractable head covering having at least one protective characteristic. The retractable head covering is operably secured to the neckband in a location such that a majority of the head covering is housed within the first receptacle when the head covering is in a retracted position and at least a portion of the head covering is positioned outside of the first receptacle when the head covering is in an extended position. In some other aspects, the article of apparel 20 further comprises a retractable face covering operably secured to the neckband that is discrete from the retractable head covering. In this example construction, the article of apparel 20 further comprises a second receptacle that is operably secured to the neckband in a location such that the face covering is housed within the second receptacle when the face covering is in a retracted position and at least a portion of the face covering is positioned outside of the second receptacle when the face covering is in an extended position.

The receptacles may be operably secured to the first element 22 (e.g., a neckband or elastic band) in any suitable location. For example, a first receptacle is positioned adjacent to a second receptacle in some aspects. In other examples, the first receptacle is positioned opposite the second receptacle. In this example, the first element 22 or neckband is generally annular and the receptacles are positioned opposite each other on the annular neckband.

The receptacles are positioned on any portion or surface of the first element, such as an interior or exterior surface of a generally annular first element 22 (or neckband or elastic band). When the receptacle(s) are positioned on the interior surface of the neckband, the openings of the receptacle(s) are positioned adjacent to the wearer's body when the wearer is wearing the article of apparel 20. When the receptacle(s) are positioned on the exterior surface of the neckband, the openings of the receptacle(s) are positioned on the surface opposite the wearer's body and do not contact the wearer's body in some aspects. In yet other aspects, the receptacles are extendable and retractable from either the interior or exterior surface of the first element 22 or neckband.

The receptacles may be any suitable form including, but not limited to a pocket in any suitable shape and size. Any receptacle optionally includes one or more securing mechanisms including, but not limited to, a button, hook and loop fastener, magnet, snap, and the like.

In still other aspects, an article of apparel 20 comprises an elastic band defining a hole and having at least one receptacle. The article of apparel 20 also comprises at least one protective element that is operably secured to the elastic band. A majority of the protective element is positioned within the at least one receptacle when the protective element is in a retracted position and a majority of the protective element extends away from and is positioned outside of the receptacle when the protective element is in an unretracted position.

The second, retractable element 24 or first protective element is operably secured to the first element 22 (neckband or elastic band) at any suitable location on the first element. In the examples in which the first element 22 includes a receptacle, the second, retractable (or any number of retractable or protective elements) are operably secured to the first element 22 at a position within the receptacle. For example, the second, retractable element 24 is operably secured to the first element 22 at a position within the receptacle such that when it is retracted into the receptacle, the entire second, retractable element 24 is housed within the receptacle. In other examples, the second, retractable element 24 is operably secured to the first element 22 at a position near the receptacle such that a majority of the second, retractable element 24 is housed within the receptacle when the second, retractable element 24 is in its retracted position.

Alternatively, second, retractable element 24 may be detachably secured to the first element 22 in any suitable fashion including hook and loop fastener(s), snap(s), button(s), magnet(s), and the like. The second, retractable element 24 may be secured to the first element 22 by sewing, gluing, bonding, or the like, or the second, retractable element 24 and the first element 22 may be integrally formed together. The second, retractable element 24 may be operably secured to the first element 22 at a position adjacent to the receptacle and still be retracted into the receptacle in some aspects. The second, retractable element 24 is operably secured to the first element 22 in any suitable location.

II. Specific Examples of Articles of Apparel with Retractable Protective Elements

FIGS. 1A-5B illustrate various embodiments of the articles of apparel 20 with retractable protective elements 22 in a retracted 26 and an extended or unretracted 28 position, respectively. FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a wrap embodiment 100 of the article of apparel 20 that comprises a first element 102 having a first end 104 and a second, opposing end 106 that are detachably secured to each other around the wearer's neck. The article 100 also comprises a receptacle 108 operably secured to first element 102 such that its opening is on the interior surface 110 (as opposed to the exterior surface 112) of the first element 102, as illustrated in FIG. 1B. A retractable, second element 114 is operably secured to the first element 102, which is also illustrated in FIG. 1B. The retractable, second element 114 in this example is a face mask that is selectively secured to the wearer's head 116 by a strap 118 that is positioned to extend over the wearer's ears and around the backside of the wearer's head. The face mask 114 is operably secured to the first element 102 at a position within the receptacle 108, such that it is positioned within the receptacle 108 when it is in a retracted position, as illustrated in FIG. 1A, and is positioned to extend from the receptacle 108 when it is in an unretracted or extended position, as illustrated in FIG. 1B. FIG. 1A illustrates the wrap 102 with the first end 104 and the second end 106 of the first element 102 secured together. FIG. 1B illustrates the wrap 102 with the first end 104 and the second end 106 detached from one another.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate an elastic band embodiment 200 of the article of apparel 20 that comprises an elastic band 202 defining a hole 204 through which the wearer's head is inserted and a receptacle positioned on the interior surface of the elastic band (not shown). The elastic band 202 is stretchable so that it can be fitted over the wearer's head 206 to put on and take off the article of apparel 20. The mask 208 illustrated in FIG. 2B is a face mask operably secured to the elastic band 202 at a position within the receptacle. The face mask 208 has a strap 210 that extends around the backside of the wearer's head 206 to secure the mask 208 to the wearer's head 206 during wear. FIG. 2A illustrates the elastic band 202 with the mask 208 retracted into its receptacle. FIG. 2B illustrates the elastic band 202 with the mask 208 extended from the receptacle and around a portion of the wearer's face.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an exemplar third embodiment 300 of the article of apparel 20 comprising a first element 302 in the form of a wrap and a second, retractable element 304 that is a face mask. A receptacle 306 is integrally formed in the first element 302 such that its opening is on the exterior surface 308 of the wrap. The face mask 304 is operably secured to and extends and retracts from the receptacle 306. In this example, the receptacle 306 includes a zipper 310 that will selectively open the receptacle 306 and provide the wearer with access to the face mask 304. The zipper 310 in this example is a horizontal zipper. Such a horizontal zipper 310 may extend around any portion of the wrap 302. Any suitable securing mechanism may be included to selectively secure closed the receptacle's opening.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an exemplar fourth embodiment 400 of the article of apparel 20 comprising a first element 402 in the form of a band or wrap having a vertical, front zipper 404 and a second, retractable element 406 that is a face mask. A receptacle 408 is integrally formed in the first element 402 such that it is exposed and the face mask 406 is easily retractable when the front zipper 404 is unzipped, as illustrated in FIG. 4B. When the face mask 406 is in its extended (unretracted) position, the zipper 404 may be closed or open, depending on the wearer's preference. FIG. 4A illustrates the second, retractable element 406 in its retracted form with the zipper 404 in its closed position. The zipper 404 is a single, vertical zipper in this example, but may be any suitable zipper in other examples. The zipper 404 extends the majority of the height of the first element 402, in this example. In some other examples, the zipper 404 extends the entire height of the first element 402. In those examples, the first element 402 has a first end 408 and a second end 410 that are operably secured to each other by the zipper 404.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an exemplar fifth embodiment 500 of the article of apparel 20 comprising a first element 502 in the form of a band or wrap having a front, double zipper 504 and a second, retractable element 506 that is a face mask. The zipper 504 in this example is a double zipper having a connector 508 that permits both sides of the zipper 504 to operate together. In other examples, the double zippers are operable independent of each other in any suitable fashion. When the double zipper 504 is in its open position, such as illustrated in FIG. 5B, the face mask 506 is exposed and can be extended (or positioned in its unretracted position) to be worn by the wearer. While the face mask 506 is in its extended (or unretracted) position, the double zipper 504 may be moved to its closed position or may remain in its open position at the discretion of the wearer.

FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate an exemplar sixth embodiment 600 of an article of apparel 20 in four consecutive stages of the steps along the progression of moving the second, retractable element 602 in a wrap 604 embodiment of the article of apparel 20 from a retracted position to an extended or unretracted position, similar in construction to the article of apparel 20 illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B. FIG. 6A illustrates the wrap 604 with the zipper 606 in a closed position and the second, retractable element 602 in a retracted position. In some examples, the first element (the wrap 604 in the examples illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6D) may have a receptacle into which the second, retractable element is housed or retracted. FIG. 6B illustrates the wrap 604 with the zipper 606 in its open position such that the face mask 602 is able to be removed from the receptacle 608. FIG. 6C illustrates the wrap 604 with the face mask 602 in its extended position and the zipper 606 remaining in its open position. The face mask 602 is positioned to extend over a portion of the face of the wearer and the strap 610 extends around the head of the wearer to secure the face mask 602 in place. FIG. 6D illustrates the wrap 604 with the face mask 602 in its extended position and the zipper 606 in its closed position such that the receptacle 608 is not exposed. FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate the typical progression of stages along the process of removing the face mask 602 from the receptacle 608 in this example construction.

In the example wrap illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6D, a hook and loop fastener 612 is shown that operably secures the first end 614 of the wrap 604 to the second end 616 of the wrap 604. Further, a pocket 618 positioned on the exterior surface of the wrap 604 is also optionally included. The pocket 618 may be positioned on any portion and any surface of the wrap 604 and may contain any desired object(s). In this example, the pocket 618 is designed to contain electronics, such as an Mp3 player.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate an exemplar seventh embodiment 700 of the article of apparel 20. This construction is similar in construction to the article of apparel 20 illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6D, except the face mask 702 illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B is a slightly different construction than the face mask illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6D. FIG. 7A is a view of the exterior surface of the article of apparel 20 in which the face mask 702 is in its extended position from within the receptacle 704. FIG. 7B is a view of the interior surface of the article of apparel 20 that is illustrated in FIG. 7A. In this example construction, a horizontal zipper 706 is positioned in its open position such that the face mask 702 is accessible and removed from the receptacle 704 in the first element 708. The horizontal zipper 706 is located on the exterior surface of the first element 708 and thus the receptacle 704 is accessible from the exterior surface of the first element 708. The face mask 702 extends from the exterior surface of the first element 708 to its extended position to cover a portion of the wearer's face. FIG. 7A also illustrates a pocket 710 positioned on the exterior surface of the first element 708 into which an Mp3 player is optionally placed (or any other suitable object(s)).

FIG. 7B illustrates the interior surface of the article of apparel 20 illustrated in FIG. 7A. The interior surface is positioned adjacent to and in some examples in physical contact with the wearer's neck, shoulders, and/or head when the article of apparel 20 is wrapped around the wearer's neck. The article of apparel 20 illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B is a wrap 708 having a first end 712 and an opposing, second end 714 that are operably secured to each other by a hook and loop fastener 716.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate an exemplar eighth embodiment 800 of the disclosed article of apparel 20. In this example, the first element 802 is an elastic band having a receptacle 804 and a second, retractable element 806 in the form of a face mask. FIG. 8A illustrates the elastic, band 802 in which the second, retractable element 806 is retracted into the receptacle 804. In this example, the receptacle 804 is generally positioned near the face of the wearer when the article of apparel 20 is being worn by the wearer so that the face mask easily extends over a portion of the face of the wearer when the face mask is in its extended position. In these examples, the opening 808 of the receptacle 804 is located on the interior surface of the first element 802, as illustrated in FIG. 8B.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplar ninth embodiment 900 of the disclosed article of apparel 20. In this example, the article of apparel 20 includes an elastic band 902 having a receptacle 904 that has an opening 906 on the interior surface of the elastic band 902. A face mask 908 is extendable from the receptacle 904. FIG. 9 illustrates the face mask 908 in its extended position. The face mask 908 includes a strap 910 having two adjustment elements 912 and a pad 914. The adjustment elements 912 permit the wearer to adjust the length of the strap 910 and the pad 914 helps prevent discomfort to the wearer by the strap 910 during wear. The pad 914 is positioned such that it is in physical contact with the wearer's head during wear and prevents at least a portion of the strap 910 from being in physical contact with the wearer's head.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate an exemplar tenth possible embodiment 1000 of the disclosed article of apparel 20. In this example, the first element 1002 is a wrap that extends around the neck and at least a portion of the shoulders, chest, and/or back of the wearer in a fashion similar to a traditional “dickey.” Similar to some of the examples discussed above, the example article of apparel 20 illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B is a wrap 1002 having a receptacle 1004 with an opening on the exterior surface of the wrap 1002. The opening of the receptacle 1004 is secured closed by a single, horizontal zipper 1006. A face mask 1008 is housed or stored within the receptacle 1004, as illustrated in FIG. 10A. FIG. 10B illustrates the face mask 1008 in its extended position.

FIGS. 11A-I illustrate various examples of other possible embodiments 1100 of the disclosed article of apparel 20 including an elastic band 1102 and at least one retractable element. Each of the retractable elements 1104 illustrated in FIGS. 11A-I are shown in their extended position. FIG. 11A illustrates a face mask 1104 that extends over the nose, mouth, and at least a portion of the wearer's cheeks and neck. The face mask 1104 includes a strap 1106 that extends around the back of the wearer's head above the wearer's ears. The strap 1106 includes an adjustment mechanism 1108 so that the length of the strap 1106 is adjustable.

FIG. 11B illustrates a hood 1110 that extends over at least a portion of the back of the wearer's head and neck. This hood 1110 also extends over the wearer's ears, although other example hoods may not. In such an example, the receptacle into which the hood 1110 retracts and is housed is located at or near the back of the wearer's neck when the article of apparel 20 is being worn by the wearer. FIG. 11C illustrates a combination of the retractable elements from FIGS. 11A and 11B. The article of apparel 20 illustrated in FIG. 11C includes two retractable elements and two receptacles. The first receptacle is located at or near the face of the wearer and the second receptacle is located at or near the back of the neck of the wearer when the article of apparel 20 is being worn by the wearer. The face mask 1104 extends from and is retractable into (or housed within) the first receptacle and the hood 1110 extends from and is retractable into (or housed within) the second receptacle. The wearer has the option to extend one or both of the face mask 1104 and/or the hood 1110 at anytime during wear.

FIG. 11D illustrates another article of apparel 20 having a face mask 1112. In this example, the face mask extends over the mouth, nose, and at least a portion of the cheeks and forehead of the wearer. This face mask 1112 has a cut-out for the eyes of the wearer. This example includes a strap 1114 that extends around the back of the head of the wearer to secure the face mask 1112 to the wearer's head. FIG. 11E illustrates yet another embodiment of the article of apparel 20. In this example, the retractable element 1116 is operably secured to the elastic band 1102 at a position at or near the face of the wearer when the article of apparel 20 is being worn by the wearer. Alternatively, the retractable element 1116 is operably secured to the elastic band 1102 at a position at or near the back of the neck of the wearer when the article of apparel 20 is being worn by the wearer. The retractable element 1116 includes a face mask 1118 and a hood 1120. Both the face mask 1118 and the hood 1120 are retractable into the receptacle in the example illustrated in FIG. 11E. In this example, the hood 1120 includes a fastener of any suitable type that secures the bottom portion 1122 of the hood 1120 to the portion 1124 of the elastic band 1102 near the back of the wearer's neck when the article of apparel 20 is being worn by the wearer. The fastener operably secures the bottom portion 1122 of the hood 1120 to the elastic band 1102 during wear. Such a fastener is optional.

In other embodiments similar to the one illustrated in FIG. 11E, the elastic band includes two receptacles. The face mask is retractable into and housed within the first receptacle and the hood is retractable into and housed within the second receptacle. The face mask and/or the hood include a fastener that operably secures the face mask to the hood during wear. In this example configuration, the face mask and/or hood include a hook and loop fastener, for example, that detachably secures the face mask to the hood during wear and detaches so that the face mask is retractable into the first receptacle and the hood is retractable into the second receptacle. Any suitable fastener may be included.

FIG. 11F illustrates still another example article of apparel 20 in which the face mask 1126 is a single element that extends over the face and the majority of the head of a wearer. The face mask 1126 covers the head of the wearer such that only a portion of the wearer's face around the wearer's eyes and a portion of the wearer's neck is exposed during wear. FIG. 11G illustrates an article of apparel 20 in which the face mask 1128 is a single element that extends over a majority of the wearer's face leaving the area around the wearer's eyes exposed and a portion of the remainder of the wearer's head, leaving the top of the wearer's head and a portion of the wearer's neck exposed.

FIG. 11H illustrates yet another example of the article of apparel 20 having a face mask and hood combination 1130 that extends over a majority of the wearer's face leaving the area around the wearer's eyes exposed and over a large portion of the wearer's head leaving the back of the wearer's head exposed. A strap 1132 is included in the hood near back of the neck of the wearer so that the hood and face mask combination 1130 is operably secured to the wearer's head. FIG. 11I illustrates another example of the article of apparel 20 with a face mask and hood combination 1134 of a similar construction to the face mask and hood combination 1132 illustrated in FIG. 11H, except this face mask and hood combination 1134 does not include the strap near the back of the hood.

Optional features may be added to any of the aspects of the article of apparel 20 described above. Any one or more portions of the articles of apparel may include one or more suitable materials. In some examples, the first element, neckband, or elastic band includes a first material or group of materials and the receptacle or another portion of the article of apparel 20 includes at least one material that is different than the material(s) in the first element. The one or more receptacle(s) in the first element are positioned in any suitable location on the first element. In many of the examples illustrated and discussed above, the receptacle is located either near the face of the wearer and/or at the back of the head or neck of the wearer when the first element is positioned around the wearer's neck. However, the receptacle(s) may be positioned at any location on the first element. Decorative elements and other mechanical connectors may be included in the articles of apparel. Still other optional features include various adjustment mechanism(s) that permit the wearer to adjust the length of a strap or a size of any portion of the head covering. Any suitable one or more adjustment mechanisms may be included in the articles of apparel. Also, the articles of apparel optionally include a pad or other comfort element that cushions or otherwise helps to prevent the strap from making the strap uncomfortable for the wearer during wear.

Similarly, individual elements or features of a particular aspect of the articles of apparel are generally not limited to that particular aspect, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected aspect, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the invention, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. 

1. An article of apparel, comprising: a generally annular first element; and a second, retractable element operably secured to the first element, wherein the second element has at least one protective characteristic.
 2. The article of apparel of claim 1, wherein the article of apparel is at least one of a neck gaiter, neck band, and scarf.
 3. The article of apparel of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the first element includes an elastic material.
 4. The article of apparel of claim 1, wherein the first element has a first end and a second, opposing end that are detachably secured to each other.
 5. The article of apparel of claim 1, wherein the second element includes at least one of a face covering, a head covering, and an ear covering.
 6. The article of apparel of claim 1, further comprising a third, retractable element operably secured to the first element, wherein the third element has at least one protective characteristic.
 7. The article of apparel of claim 6, wherein the second element is a face covering and the third element is a head covering.
 8. The article of apparel of claim 1, wherein the protective characteristic of the second element includes at least one of insulation, warmth, protection from weather elements, protection from pathogens, and camouflage.
 9. The article of apparel of claim 1, wherein the first element includes a receptacle.
 10. The article of apparel of claim 9, wherein the second element is retractable into the receptacle.
 11. The article of apparel of claim 9, wherein the receptacle is detachably secured to the first element.
 12. An article of apparel, comprising: a neckband including a receptacle integrally formed therewith; and a retractable head covering having at least one protective characteristic, the retractable head covering operably secured to the neckband in a location such that a majority of the head covering is housed within the receptacle when the head covering is in a retracted position and at least a portion of the head covering is positioned outside of the receptacle when the head covering is in an extended position.
 13. The article of apparel of claim 12, wherein the neckband has a first end and a second end, and wherein the first end is detachably secured to the second end.
 14. The article of apparel of claim 12, wherein the head covering includes a face covering.
 15. The article of apparel of claim 12, further comprising a retractable face covering operably secured to the neckband, wherein the retractable face covering is discrete from the retractable head covering.
 16. The article of apparel of claim 15, wherein the receptacle is a first receptacle and further comprising a second receptacle operably secured to the neckband in a location such that the face covering is housed within the second receptacle when the face covering is in a retracted position and at least a portion of the face covering is positioned outside of the second receptacle when the face covering is in an extended position.
 17. The article of apparel of claim 12, wherein the at least one protective characteristic includes at least one of insulation, warmth, protection from weather elements, protection from pathogens, and camouflage.
 18. An article of apparel, comprising: an elastic band defining a hole and including at least one receptacle; and at least one protective element operably secured to the elastic band, wherein a majority of the protective element is positioned within the at least one receptacle when the protective element is in a retracted position and a majority of the protective element extends away from and is positioned outside of the receptacle when the protective element is in an unretracted position.
 19. The article of apparel of claim 18, wherein the at least one protective element is operably secured to the elastic band at a position within the receptacle.
 20. The article of apparel of claim 18, wherein the elastic band has a first end and a second, opposing end that are detachably secured to each other.
 21. The article of apparel of claim 18, wherein the protective element provides at least one of insulation, warmth, protection from weather elements, protection from pathogens, and camouflage.
 22. The article of apparel of claim 18, wherein the receptacle is detachably secured to the elastic band.
 23. The article of apparel of claim 18, wherein the at least one protective element includes at least one of a face covering, a head covering, and an ear covering. 